The Inner Child - I want to listen.

We all have fears...both rational and irrational ones.
One thing that is quite common is that we get frightened because we don't know...and when we 'don't know', we feel insecure. When insecurity sets in, we feel rather helpless and vulnerable.  Worse still, when we have little self-assurance, we are unsure whether we can even trust overselves.

We tend to talk to ourselves...whether aloud or in our heads.
Some of us then listen with our hearts, or allow the mind to rationalise the series of internal questions that pop up.
But how many times, do we give in to immature, wilful and sometimes downright silly thoughts that we have?  We claim to be able to think things through, yet the inner child within can be still very powerful.

An inner child...
Popular psychology refers to in as the childlike aspect of a person's psyche.
I think that the inner child is the 'mother to all our emotions'. It often reflects our deepest thoughts also which govern our immediate or spontenous reaction. Through education, experiences and conditioning, we sometimes learn to 'school and rein in' our child-like state. If one has had a positive childhood, the adult that emerges may be resilient, warm and fun...but if the inner child has been wounded, that is when the product can be rather disturbing.

Well, the topic of the inner child is complex and deep.
But I want to go back to the idea of talking with our inner child.
Since we do that all the time, do we really listen to ourselves?

As I grow older, I am very much aware of my Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personalities.
My outer personality is very distinct from my true self.  But that does not mean I am crazy. I just sometimes need the two to work in tandem.  I must make sure that one talks, the other is listening...and not just having an internal quarrel in my head. It is not a simple matter of reason and mature thoughts triumphing over the impulsive, carefree ones...

So lets start...

Dear God,
When things are tough, I know I can rely on you.
At the same time, help me to become strong too...in character, spirit, and in mind.
Do not let my faith waver...and help me let others see, the wonders of Your Ways.
Ameen